The Nine

Last week, we started a new approach to creating art here at South B. Instead of starting with media, or themes or even Artistic Behaviors, we started with the subject.
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Well, I know what you’re thinking. That seems very broad. That’s what I thought too but it turns out it’s not. Actually, there are only nine things you can make art about. You say, Sands, that’s crazy talk. Certainly there are more than nine topics. But I say, we have a list of nine topics. These are subjects that one would make art about (not style or genre or technique) and pretty much any art you want to make can be made under one of the Nine. So before you judge, take a look at the list.

Above: Artwork created using the Architecture Packet (work still in progress).

The Nine:
Architecture
The Figure
Imagination
Landscape
The Portrait
Conceptual
The Object
Nature
Non Representational

So how does this work? We started by only introducing three of the Nine. The first three are Architecture, The Figure and Imagination. Each topic was presented to the students as a packet that contained the objective, questions for consideration, video tutorials for further exploration and examples of artwork. The students selected one packet they wished to pursue. Next, they answered the questions, tried a few tutorials, and planned a final work. We are currently spending this week working on their final piece.

Above: Artwork created using the Figure Packet (work still in progress).

​Next week, the students will receive the next three packets; Portrait, Landscape and Conceptual. They will then have the choice to select either one of the new packets or any of the previous packets. Eventually, the students will be introduced to all nine packets. After that, they will be free to select from any of the Nine.

Above: Artwork created using the Imagination Packet (work still in progress).

Below: You can read more about the Nine in the April 2018 issue of SchoolArts Magazine. Click here to read the article.

​Also, Texas Sculpture and Ceramics teacher Jean Barnett has done a lot with the Nine in her classes. Check out her blog post to read about how she incorporates the Nine into her Sculpture class.